What if Edward wasn't single when he met Bella? Will he stay with his mate out of loyalty and obligation or will he take a chance and pursue true love? AU for the first book.

I had always viewed my existence since changing into a vampire as being like a starry night; mostly darkness but with a few scattered bright spots. I had thus far only been able to escape the tedium and misery of this life with a modicum of sanity due to the rare occasions that I was able to make my mate happy.

That was before. Before the Gods of Fate had intervened and made a mockery of my existence, chewing it up and spitting out the pieces. Before Bella Swan had moved to town and I proved unable just to leave her alone. Before my relationship with my mate violently combusted in an act of sadistic pleasure. Now, the storm clouds had rolled in and blocked out all the stars, and my life was a grey, depressing mess.

Rated for some swearing and lemons later on.